Personal Pieces

April 24, 2017 – 102 Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

Hundred and two years today, the Armenians are still demanding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, by the government, the Turks, who carried out such atrocities and also by other countries. In 2015, the Canadian Parliament passed Motion M-587 and declared the month of April as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month and marked April 24 as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. This morning, as I prepare to go to Ottawa and walk with the Armenian People, my People. I praise God for the Perseverance, and the Power that God granted to our ancestors to live through and most of all, I thank … Read more

Maundy Thursday

When I was young, I used to think that the Maundy Thursday evening church services were boring and useless, during Holy week. Maybe it was because my mother always said, “Before we participate in Communion, we must forgive each other and ask those who we have issues with to forgive us”. Of course this was a hard pill to swallow. At Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge, where I have been serving since February 1, 2013, we started doing short Maundy Thursday services at 6:30 p.m. so that even the choir members can join, as choirs meet at 7:30 every Thursday. That is … Read more

The Late Doug Good

One of the hardest Celebrations of Life that I have officiated, so far in my life, took place today, for the Late Doug Good. Doug was more than a Councillor of our town, we had the honor to call him a friend and a colleague. Been praying for over a week now for God to give me the strength and wisdom to carry through. Late last night the words of Psalm 30:5 came to mind and they stuck with me all through the service also… “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”-Psalm 30:5 Therefore I … Read more

Respect Brings Peace

 Today, February 21, 2017, as the Chair of Presbytery when I said the opening words to constitute and recognize the lands we live upon; the following words flooded out of my heart and mouth, which were not in my script: “When we live with Respect, We live in Peace.” I have been thinking on the drive home and I have realized that the very first person I need to respect is me, so that in the same level, I can respect ALL. May you know: You are Enough – to Make a difference. You are Enough – to Change the … Read more

The Secret is God’s Vision in YOU!

Today, when I met with my supervisee, at our regular weekly meeting, I had an AHA moment. Since 2009 I have heard about “The Secret”. It was a phenomenon when Oprah Winfrey had a panel of the authors on her show. Millions of copies of this book were sold and many, many lectures and gatherings took place, and still do, for everyone to find the secret of their life. I cannot say that I have read the book or followed everything about this spectacle closely. From what I have heard and learned in the two direct sales companies I was … Read more

Thought #2

Last night, when I heard the recent economic news of North America, I was reminded of this: “…Our economic beliefs have produced a culture that makes poverty, violence, ill health, and fragile economic systems seem inevitable.” (Page xiii) From the amazing book: “An Other Kingdom: Departing the Consumer Culture” by: Peter Block, Walter Brueggemann and John McKnight. https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://t0.gstatic.com/images%3Fq%3Dtbn:ANd9GcRdlQ2tDF9jaY4LF82_hXTCiCyjvqJ2Dx5ZGeMhIbVhpUPDPORA&imgrefurl=http://books.google.com/books/about/An_Other_Kingdom.html%3Fid%3D9CCJCgAAQBAJ%26source%3Dkp_cover&h=900&w=600&tbnid=pHqPoTMvFgkP_M:&vet=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=106&docid=ODt4-KLr2r85lM&itg=1&usg=__VZg9fliXQJhrU9blD4bU_rQ6yh4=&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi18umL6uDRAhUX-2MKHV0iAVwQ_B0IZzAK

Looking forward to 50!

This morning, as i signed my name and today’s date on a form, I realized that in exactly ten months I will be turning 50… I have enjoyed and learned so much thus far, and I look forward to many more lessons and Joys. Here is a picture of me in Kindergarten, at Shamlian Tatikian. I am the very first student on the right hand side, in front of the piano. May Blessings of Growing Wise abound.

To Be Fed

I am not sure when was the last time I was on the receiving end of things at a worship service – It has been a while. Today, a special day turned into an extra special one. Thanks to Facebook, I found out that Glenburnie United Church, near Kingston, was having a service of songs. No, it had nothing to do with hymns, but everything to do with songs – any, all, popular, secular (Those songs that are not sung in church). Songs that speak to us; songs that have obvious theological inclination, or in between the lines. As I … Read more

Thought #1

I found this thought in one of my e-mails that I have sent to myself on February 25, 2008 “Life might take you to a place that you never imagined. Don’t despair,  for where you are is where you are ought to be.” I found this picture taken on February 17, 2008 in Ste. Agathe, Quebec. Gary and I went there after leading Sunday morning worship celebration at Morin Heights United Church. It was perchance we found this dog sledding competition. A true gift to us; especially to Gary, the day after his 44th birthday – it was a Joy … Read more

More than Eyes Can See – January 2, 2017

A quiet day. Cleaning files. Gathering things around the house to donate. Preparing to face the new year more organized and calm. I wanted to have a cup of tea before bedtime. While heading to the kitchen I wondered, “Where is Maya?” But Maya is not around. She passed away on October 12, 2016 (Yom Kippur). I did not make anything out of it and did not say a thing, because we are dog sitting and wondered if having that little princess with us was making me think of Maya. But we had had this little princess with us since … Read more